The Federal Capital Territory Internal Revenue Service (FCT-IRS) has contacted the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to form a collaborative effort to improve tax compliance within the FCT.
During a courtesy visit on Wednesday to EFCC executive chairman Mr Olanipekun Olukoyede at the Commission‘s Headquarters, the acting executive chairman of FCT-IRS, Mr Michael Ango, emphasised the importance of this partnership, given the statutory responsibilities of both agencies.
Ango explained that the initiative aligns with the FCT-IRS’s mandate to work alongside agencies such as the EFCC to enhance tax compliance.
He explained that one of the FCT-IRS’s significant goals for 2025 is to harmonise revenue collection and administration within the FCT, which will require support from various stakeholders, including the EFCC.
According to him, cooperation is essential to ensure that all revenues owed to the FCT are collected transparently, facilitating a better business environment and increasing revenue generation.
He said that this effort aligns with the ambitious infrastructure development projects spearheaded by the minister of the FCT, Nyesom Wike.
Ango also pointed out that many individuals under investigation for financial crimes by the EFCC are often found to be non-compliant with tax regulations.
He suggested that part of the investigation process should include questioning these individuals about their tax status and ensuring they meet their tax obligations.
The acting executive chairman proposed that the FCT-IRS should also be involved when the courts order the forfeiture of assets or funds from suspects.
“When suspects are investigated or taken to court, we want to assess their compliance levels. If they evade one path, we can intercept them through another. We are eager to work alongside you, much like our collaboration with the Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit (NFIU),” he stated.
While expressing his condolences for the recent loss of an EFCC operative, Ango commended Olukoyede for the EFCC‘s commendable efforts in combating financial crimes since he resumed his role as Chief Executive.
In response, the EFCC chairman, Mr Olanipekun Olukoyede, expressed gratitude for the visit and confirmed the Commission‘s willingness to collaborate with the FCT-IRS to enhance revenue collection efforts in the territory.
He noted the existing partnerships with the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) and various state internal revenue agencies. He expressed readiness to establish a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to define specific collaboration areas, bolstering the relationship between the two organisations.
Olukoyede also praised Ango‘s achievements since his appointment, remarking that he is not surprised by the noticeable infrastructural advancements in the FCT, a testament to the efficient utilisation of taxpayer funds under the stewardship of the Honourable Minister of the FCT.
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